Extending Trophy Smallmouth Waters

[catman70]

Currently, the only two trophy smallmouth areas that come to mind are on the Big Piney and Jack's Fork rivers. I know there are others, but they've slipped my mind for the moment. Regardless, I'd like to see the program extended to include more waters in the state (specifically, Bryant Creek). I'd also like to see the minimum length limit increased to 14 or 15". However, I assume the current minimum length limits are set to provide the best fishery conditions. I thought when they established the current trophy areas the intention was to expand the number of areas if the change in regulations produced a positive and lasting effect.

Can any one speak to the validity of that last statement? What would be the process for lobbying a change in regulation?

I think I've read comments posted by Mr. Agnew in the past that addressed this issue. Anyone have any input?

Thanks,

Tim

P.S. I'll be moving back to Springfield from the Chicago area the first half of August to pursue a MS in environmental engineering. If anyone has a lead on possible part-time employment (not necessarily field related), your guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Al Agnew]

The MO Smallmouth Alliance has set up a blue ribbon panel to brainstorm about what is needed to increase the size of stream smallies in MO, and work with MDC to further the special management areas, along with perhaps trying some different regulations.

In my opinion, the current statewide regs are pretty good at insuring we have a lot of 10-12 inch smallies. They maximize harvest of (barely) legal fish but they do nothing to promote the availability of big fish. The special management areas (and there are quite a few of them) either have a one fish 15 inch limit or a 1 fish 18 inch limit on smallies. The 15 inch limit tends to produce a lot of fish under 15 inches, and according to the studies, a significant increase in the population of bigger fish. The 18 inch limit does even better.

However, in my opinion, we are not maximizing the potential for big fish. Most of the special management areas are either on stream stretches that are too small and infertile to give the fish really good growth rates, or are on stretches that are being taken over by spotted bass. We need to put some of the best big fish stream sections under the 18 inch limit, such as the lower Niangua, more of the middle Gasconade, the Meramec below Steelville down to Meramec Caverns, the Current below Two Rivers, and the lower James. Perhaps the biggest impediment to doing this would come from tournament anglers, who would probably be against the curtailment of weighing in a limit of smallmouths.

However, I also think there are lots of limitations to growing big fish that wouldn't be affected by creel and length limits. They would help, but wouldn't be the whole answer.

As for the statewide limit, I too would like to see it at 14 inches, and no more than 4 fish. While some of the larger streams can handle a 6-fish limit, it's far too liberal for most of the smaller creeks.

[BKB]

I would also like to see some of the smaller steams put under additional length/limit restrictions. I fish the Huzzah occasionally and have seen local individuals and familes take their limit and have wondered what the impact would be if they fished a stretch of steam once a week and kept their limit each time. I just dont think the smaller streams like the Huzzah can take that much fishing pressure if limits are being kept. I have also noticed a SIGNIFICANT decline in the number of large smallies that I have caught and seen in the water over the course of the last 10 years or so.

[creek wader]

I personally would like to see more C & R, sections of the streams for smallies. I think that would help stem the over harvest by the local good ole boys. There is very little enforcement of regulations. Fisherman are on the honor system. As in anything, some people will always viloate the regulations, when they think they can get by with it. Many "weekend warriors", keep everything they catch. Regardless of size. I believe that these are the fisherman that are doing the most damage on smallies. I believe that most true smallie fisherman practice C&R. Most baitfishers, fish for cat and suckers. But, they cause a lot of collateral damage, when they catch a variety of fish off thier worm. Of course, there will always be violators. If there were no "smallie zones". Then eventually most peolpe would come around to the thinking, that "hey, it's a smallie, you gotta throw it back". As opposed to "I'm not sure what the length limit is, or even if there is one, but I know you can keep em, heck there's no one around". Also, I know it's not just the fisherman hurting the smallies. It's a combination of habitat destruction, water quality, the spotted invasion, otters, farmers taking out the ripparian corridor, causing the widenning and shallowing of streams, and of coarse people keeping everything they catch. I still think "no smallie zones" would help out somewhat. Just a thought.

[Chief Grey Bear]

I still think "no smallie zones" would help out somewhat. Just a thought.

I am not opposed to the idea, as it does not effect me one iota. But I do question how the established limits will be enforced if one is floating through a zone and already has brownie or two on a stringer.

[creek wader]

I am not opposed to the idea, as it does not effect me one iota. But I do question how the established limits will be enforced if one is floating through a zone and already has brownie or two on a stringer.

It doesn't affect me either. But, it would be the same if you floated from the standard statewide 12" keeper zones into a 1 fish 18" keeper zone. As with all regulations, nothing is perfect and it is is always tough to enforce exsiting regs., anyway. I don't know the answer. I guess I'll just keep doing my part and hope for the best. By the way, Chief, we still want to hit your favorite haunts next spring if your still game. How is it in the fall, say mid-late Oct? My brother has never stream fished for smallies. He has some time off, this year, around then. I can probably get off work around then, also. ... Wader

[Buzz]

As for the statewide limit, I too would like to see it at 14 inches, and no more than 4 fish. While some of the larger streams can handle a 6-fish limit, it's far too liberal for most of the smaller creeks.

I second that. I can catch some very nice smallmouth on both the smaller creeks and the larger,Shoal Creek, but they do seem to be fewer and farther apart. I think a statewide limit would help a lot. 12 inch limits for all bass to me is a little outdated, slot limts obviously wouldn't work because of enforcement issues. A statewide lenght limit would be the easiest to set up. I remember when the creel limit on trout was changed to 4 fish, a lot of complaining but now it's not even discussed. A 14 inch smallmouth is a brute and I would love to see more out there.

Buzz

[creek wader]

Ok, Here's a question for all you smallie guys. How many of you keep smallies? How many of you release smallies?

[Chief Grey Bear]

By the way, Chief, we still want to hit your favorite haunts next spring if your still game. How is it in the fall, say mid-late Oct? My brother has never stream fished for smallies. He has some time off, this year, around then. I can probably get off work around then, also. ... Wader

Oh you bet come on down anytime. Mid Oct to early, mid Nov, depending on temp can rival spring. I actually like it better.

[jdmidwest]

I would like a statewide C&R on smallies, but I know that it will never happen. Some streams locally here have improved since new regs come out. 11 pt and 10 mile rivers have gotten better. Enforcement of the rules help also. There are several others that could improve with a 1 fish limit or C&R.